On Jan. 6, 2015, Hilo Medical Center thanked the Hilo Photo Club for refreshing its collection of 22 images of Hawaiian wildlife and local landmarks on display in the hospital’s lobby.

“Four years ago, our lobby was renovated – thanks to a project by the Hilo Medical Center Foundation – and needed artwork as a finishing touch,” remembers Dan Brinkman, Interim East Hawaii Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. “I remember specifying that we needed to have calming and scenic images specific to Hawaii. Thanks to members of the Hilo Photo Club, thousands of patients, visitors and staff have been able to enjoy beautiful images captured by local photographers. We are grateful to continue our partnership in 2015.”

An unforeseen benefit of Hilo Photo Club’s display is the use of the photos in Hilo Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Department.

Eva Koenig is one of the Speech Therapists who incorporates speech and memory exercises while viewing the images in the lobby.

“With some of my patients, we walk around the lobby, look at the pieces and go back to the Rehab Department to talk about the pictures, work on memory and encourage communication,” said Koenig.

LaVerne Pana, who had been coming to Hilo Medical Center for outpatient Speech and Occupational Therapy since her stroke last January, walked through the lobby with Koenig to view the photos.

Pana zeroed in on a picture titled “Nene” by Jean Wence and said, “This one is nice,” and moved on to the rest of the collection to continue her Speech Therapy session.

“It’s great that people who come to the hospital have something nice to look at, reflect on and hopefully cheer them up,” said Charlene Asato, a member of the Hilo Photo Club who contributed two pieces featuring mynah birds and a white bat flower from her backyard. “I’m glad the pictures are being used to help patients.”